DBU funds marine conservation projects focusing on diatoms and sharks

The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) is channeling approximately 10 million euros annually into projects dedicated to the protection and preservation of marine ecosystems in the North and Baltic Seas through its Marine Conservation Fund.

Since its inception in late November 2024, the fund has supported eight projects. An additional six projects were approved for funding in June 2026. Within the framework of its scholarship program on marine conservation, eight doctoral projects have also received support.

One key initiative focuses on benthic diatoms in the Baltic Sea, microscopic algae that play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems and are sensitive indicators of environmental changes. Researchers from the University of Rostock, the University of Duisburg-Essen, and the Free University of Berlin are collaborating on a three-year project to establish a comprehensive reference database for these diatoms. The project integrates advanced microscopic, molecular, and AI-driven digital image analysis techniques, including environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, to identify species, including new and invasive ones.

Another supported project addresses the significant decline of pelagic sharks, such as the blue shark and the porbeagle shark, in the North and Baltic Seas. A DBU scholarship holder is investigating the ecological roles and habitats of these endangered species. Their populations have decreased by over 70 percent in the last 50 years due to overfishing. The research aims to gather essential data on migration routes and population connections to improve conservation strategies for these ecologically vital species.